Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for arresting aircraft. In specific embodiments, the systems and methods can be useful in arresting light aircraft because they typically do not have the weight to penetrate available EMAS systems. The system is generally provided as a structure having a suspended layer of energy absorbing material. A lower portion of the system can have a lower strength, used as a method to suspend an upper, stronger/more highly energy absorbent portion of the system.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate to composite materials for use as a vehicle arresting system (also referred to as an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS). Specific embodiments may use modified polymeric foams composites. The polymeric foams may include additives, coatings, combinations of both, or other features than render them useful for an EMAS. The polymeric foams may also have one or more modified surfaces that provide a protective crust. For example, the one or more surface may be modified by application of heat in order to help close the polymeric foam cells and/or to create an encapsulative surface. These features can provide enhanced weather resistance, fire resistance, moisture absorption, jet blast resistance, improve their energy absorbing properties, or other desired features.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for vehicle arresting systems made from low-density particles and appropriate binders. The systems are designed to provide a barrier or a bed that is placed at the end of a runway or at the edge of a highway that will predictably and reliably crush (or otherwise deform) under the pressure of vehicle wheels traveling off the end of the runway or the edge of the road.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide cellular phosphate bodies formed using specialized steps to ensure a specific strength range, and specifically a compressive strength less than 100 pounds per square inch. Further embodiments relate to uses for various phosphate ceramics as vehicle arresting systems.
Abstract:
Aircraft arresting beds (10) constructed of cellular concrete at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units resistant to such effects are described. A block of compressible material (12), such as cellular concrete, provides compressive failure characteristics suitable for arresting travel of an aircraft overrunning a runway. A top sheet (14) of relatively thin frangible material positioned above the block (12) provides a stronger, more damage resistant surface, while still readily fracturing in an arresting incident. Intermediate material (16), such as a foam layer, under the top sheet (14) may be included to provide a protective cushioning effect by mitigating transmission of external phenomena forces to the block (12). A wrapping (18), such as polyester net, at least partially enclosing other portions of the arresting unit provides a stable unified composite, without destroying desired compressive failure characteristics of the unit. Arresting units (10) may also include a bottom layer (20) of material stronger than the block of compressible material and a sealant coating with water resistant properties.
Abstract:
Embodiments relate to aircraft arresting systems that use a net or a cable that extends across a section of a runway. Ends of the net or cable are secured to an elongated tape, which is secured to and forms a part of an energy absorbing brake system. The elongated tape is secured around a tape reel and is allowed to reel out (or "pay out") once the aircraft is engaged. Described is a system (10) for adjusting the height of the tape such that its elevation can be altered between the point at which it leaves the energy absorbing brake system and when it reaches the aircraft runway.
Abstract:
Described are materials (14) and structures (10) for absorbing energy. The materials (14) and structures (10) are well suited for arresting aircraft and other vehicles, although their purposes need not be so limited. Also detailed are packaging and other solutions for maintaining system integrity, especially (but not exclusively) when foam glass or other aggregate is employed.
Abstract:
Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).
Abstract:
Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment.
Abstract:
Anchoring systems for aircraft arresting nets utilize frangible anchor links around lower horizontal straps of each net element of a composite arresting net. Each anchor link may be formed from flexible plastic sheet material, with openings through which an anchor cable passes and is secured to a runway surface by an anchor retainer. The anchor links provide ease of anchoring system assembly in the field and retain the bottom of the arresting net in proper position prior to engagement of the arresting net by an aircraft overrunning the runway. When an aircraft engages the net, the anchor links break to permit the net to conform to and safely stop the aircraft. Each anchor link may be perforated in its central portion or otherwise formed or specified to provide suitable frangibility in an arresting incident.